In August 2006 we booked a family holiday on a canal boat. Previous years we’d done the Maldives twice and Kenya. We wanted something different!

I’m not even sure now why I chose this type of holiday.  Perhaps it was the 4mph that enticed me together with the solitude and stunning British waterways scenery.  What ever it was it was the right decision.  I was in love from the moment we pushed off from the holiday marina and never once regretted my choice.

My Daughter loved it.  My Son spent the entire week in his bunk playing his PSP and my then Husband was the Captain of the ship.  I did my share of nautical jobs and steering but mainly took in the awesome countryside and drank wine and tea.

The camaraderie between boaters was refreshing!  The navigation of tunnels and viaducts were new and exciting experiences and the ability to pull alongside the canal bank, moor the boat, and fire up the BBQ were outstandingly simple and enjoyable.  Even when the heavens opened the experience was still grand.  Nature takes on a whole new beauty in the rain just as it does in the bright sunlight.

To look out of your small bedroom window to  be confronted by the sight of a full grown Heron perusing its territory is magical.

My brain is now fervently conjuring up the look I want inside the boat and my want-list is already starting to grow.  I’ve seen the boat I want and it’s only around 50 odd miles from where I currently live.  It’s in a beautiful marina with parking and a small shared garden!

I’m twittering on a bit now but as you’ll appreciate, this is no ordinary move and no ordinary way of life.  Bring it on!

These are my photos from my holiday back in 2006.

Viewed 308 times by 194 viewers